John McClain’s 10 things to know about Super Bowl XLVIII matchup

1. Peyton Manning is a quarterback on a mission after beating San Diego and New England to even his career playoff record at 11-11. He’s been exceptional, especially with his 400-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Patriots, but now he’s going against a much better defense.

2. If Peyton Manning gets the same kind of outstanding pass protection against Seattle that he’s received in the playoffs, he’ll have a better chance to win his second Lombardi Trophy. In the two playoff victories, he’s attempted 79 passes, and he hasn’t been sacked.

3. As he did against New England, Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will build a game plan around containing a powerful running game that features Marshawn Lynch. The Broncos must keep Lynch out of his beast mode in which he’s so physical he’s almost unstoppable.

4. Denver’s tall receivers are going to tangle with defensive backs who are larger and more physical than any the Broncos have faced. Expect 6-3 Demaryius Thomas, who had seven catches for 134 yards against New England, to be covered by 6-3 cornerback Richard Sherman.

5. If the Super Bowl comes down to special teams, the Broncos have a splendid kicker in Matt Prater and one of the most dangerous return specialists in the league in Trindon Holliday. Prater doesn’t buckle under pressure. If Holliday doesn’t fumble, he’s capable of long returns.

Seahawks things to watch:

1. Against the Broncos, the Seahawks will try to run Marshawn Lynch as much as possible to try to control the ball and keep Peyton Manning on the bench. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell isn’t afraid to keep pounding Lynch even when the defense contains him early in the game.

2. Quarterback Russell Wilson struggled against the 49ers’ great defense. The Broncos’ defense isn’t as prolific or as physical. Wilson probably won’t be under the same kind of relentless pressure that caused him to be sacked four times, so the passing game should be more effective.

3. If the Seahawks continue to be undisciplined, Peyton Manning can make them pay. They were whistled eight times for 66 yards against the 49ers, continuing a trend that had them as the league’s most penalized team. There’s a price to be paid when you’re the NFL’s most physical team.

4. Richard Sherman was considered the NFL’s best cornerback this season. He’s 6-3, loud and nasty. He’s also smart and physical. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will put him on Demaryious Thomas and hope he can neutralize the 6-3 receiver who has developed an impressive rapport with Peyton Manning.

5. Seattle’s fearsome defense has a maroon and burnt orange tint to it. Ends Red Bryant and Michael Bennett played at Texas A&M. Bennett is a pass rusher who can harass Peyton Manning. Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas, who played at Texas, is magnificent as the last line of defense.